Bishop of Kontum calls for patience and dialogue to stem attacks on religious freedom

Asia News | Jun 03, 2015

Ho Chi Minh City – “In our life, difficulties are a constant daily, everywhere and at all times. There are difficulties that affect individuals, families and the community as a whole. […] But when you face a number of problems, you need to show patience, become promoters of dialogue with the authorities. It is the only way to really solve most issues”, says Msgr. Michael Hoàng Duc Oanh, bishop of Kontum, in Knotum province, Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

Recently, a district of the diocese has been the object of the attack of the local Communist authorities, who have threatened to tear down 22 chapels used for functions and prayers. Therefore, even amid constraints and restrictions on religious freedom, the prelate urges restraint and use dialogue to solve conflicts.

The diocese of Kontum in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, was erected in 1884 and now has about 250 thousand faithful out of a total of 1.2 million inhabitants, half of whom belong to ethnic minorities. Responding to the call made by Pope Francis to strengthen the process of New Evangelization, the prelate will appeal to the whole community to “follow in the footsteps of Jesus.”

Msgr. Michael Hoàng Duc Oanh recalled the controversy in the district of Djak Tô, where people – mostly members of ethnic minorities – were forced to travel up to 100km on foot to participate in celebrations. Temporary places of worship have been built but they are not sufficient to meet the needs of the community.

Among the various unresolved issues, recalls the prelate, is one related to the three existing types of places of worship. The first is that of “dozens of churches” built in an “appropriate” manner respecting the rule of law; they have a pastor and are thronged by thousands of faithful.

Then there are twenty churches “of a second type”, still awaiting “final approval” from authorities and this has caused problems and tensions.

Finally, hundreds of temporary places “of the third type” (tents devoted to the cult) which have been built in hundreds of villages that make up the diocese and are also awaiting approval.

Another source of controversy, as required by Law 92 on Religions, is the registration of priests and religious, who are forced to submit their pastoral program each year – by 15 October. “We call on the authorities not to always repeat the procedure,” says Msgr. Michael,  which is a source of “problems” and red tape. “I hope that the government – says the bishop – will decide to abandon the practice of ‘registering religions’, because [all information] is already available in the calendar of the liturgical year”.

Vietnam’s 87 million people include 48 per cent Buddhists, more than 7 per cent Catholics, 5.6 per cent syncretistic and 20 per cent atheist.

As a small, albeit significant minority, the Christian community is particularly active in education, health and social affairs.

Conversely, religious freedom has steadily eroded in recent years. Under Decree 92, more controls and restrictions have been imposed on religious practice, boosting the power of the Communist Party and the one-party state.

The authorities have targeted religious leaders, including Buddhist and Catholic leaders, as well as entire communities.

In 2013, media and government carried out a smear campaign and targeted attacks against the bishop and ordinary Catholics in the Diocese of Vinh.

More generally, government repression tends to touch everyone who defends civil rights and the right to religious freedom.